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A New Master in Mesnil
2008 Robert Moncuit Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru
The Champagne to Know This Summer
Last year, Moncuit's Blanc de Blancs blew me away.
This was Champagne with energy, precision, stuff I could—and did—drink by the caseload.
That was the 2007 millésime. I've been eagerly waiting for the release of 2008. My reasoning was if the 2007 was a revelation, the 2008 would be amazing. When I finally got to taste the 2008, it exceeded my high expectations.
I opened a bottle for the staff recently, and the consensus was clear: This is a special Champagne.
Robert Moncuit is a producer to know in Mesnil. If you haven't checked these out yet, now is the time.
Robert Moncuit only sold its wine within France until 2000, and is still little known in the U.S. The low profile translates into Moncuit supplying some of the best Champagne value that I know of.
The 2008 vintage in Champagne is shaping up to be one of the best of this century so far. Take a great vintage and add it to the staggering quality of Moncuit, and it just doesn't get any better than that.
Le Mesnil is a mecca for anyone who, like me, has a serious soft spot for blanc des blancs. The Chardonnay coming out of these chalky soils hits the pinnacle of precision and energy. The wines are entirely captivating.
And the Moncuit family is producing some of the most captivating examples of Mesnil. Mesnil can also tend toward the severe with its sharp mineral intensity. The wonderful thing about Moncuit is how it delivers Mesnil's striking mineral elegance with plenty of charm. The wine is supremely pleasurable—with structure and integrity, yes, but all in the service of enjoyable drinking.
The 2008 vintage has ripeness, acid, warmth, structure—all the elements in such harmonious concord as to make producers freak out like they haven't for any other recent vintage. The wines of Moncuit are no exception. I expect Moncuit's 2008 to age beautifully.
When I see value and potential like this, I jump on it. Take my word for it: You'll want to have this around in quantity.
To order, please email us at offers@crushwineco.com or call the store at (212) 980-9463.
Ian McFadden
Director, Fine and Rare Wine
Crush Wine & Spirits
2008 Robert Moncuit Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru